When compared to the past few years, FSU football could use an upgrade in the punt return department.
FSU football fans nowadays think of the glory years of FSU special teams wreaking havoc on opposing teams. Deion Sanders and/or Peter Warrick returning punts for touchdowns.
Greg Reid striking fear in opposing teams with his ability to flip the field with punt returns.
However, it was like the Monstars from Space Jam zapped all punt return powers from FSU once Reid was dismissed from the program prior to the 2012 season.
Rashad Greene did fill in admirably in Reid’s absence in 2012 and 2014, but it wasn’t the same after that season.
Check the punt return average as a team by year:
- 2009-16.96 yards per return
- 2010-9.64
- 2011-10.43
- 2012-14.49
- 2013-10.00
- 2014-10.53
- 2015-3.74
- 2016-7.41
- 2017-8.23
Look at the discrepancy in those numbers!
It should be noted that 2017 was not looking great until DJ Matthews replaced Tarvarus McFadden as punt returner. McFadden was averaging 3.5 yards per return before having the job taken away.
Matthews has six more returns in three fewer games and averaged 11.11 yards per return. There was absolutely NO threat for FSU to return the punt as it was almost an automatic fair catch the past few years.
Thoughts
It can’t be understated how important the punt return game can be to offenses as a potent return game can cover up a lot of offensive flaws.
Obviously, the less distance offenses have to cover to score the better as it’s difficult for any offense to consistently drive 70-80 yards to score touchdowns.
FSU looks like they have a natural punt returner in DJ Matthews. He’s not afraid to catch the punt and make a move despite opposing gunners bearing down on him.
He’ll occasionally make a bad decision here and there, but that’s something I’m willing to live with if he consistently changes field position for the offense.
Matthews averaging 11.11 yards per return would put him third highest average in almost a decade as a true freshman.
Next: How New Staff Could Impact Special Teams
FSU football may have finally get back to elite status in the punt return game in 2018.